6 Hidden Gems for Authentic Eats and Drinks in Los Angeles

Post originally Published May 1, 2024 || Last Updated May 1, 2024

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6 Hidden Gems for Authentic Eats and Drinks in Los Angeles - Northridge's Baja Subs and Deli - Authentic Mexican Flavors in the Valley


6 Hidden Gems for Authentic Eats and Drinks in Los Angeles

Northridge's Baja Subs and Deli is a hidden gem offering authentic Mexican flavors in the San Fernando Valley.

The eatery, run by owners Premil and Koshalie Jayasinghe, serves a unique blend of Mexican and Sri Lankan cuisine, providing a standout culinary experience for adventurous eaters.

Despite its unassuming exterior, Baja Subs Market & Deli is a must-try for fans of international flavors, with reviewers raving about the flavorful food and generous portions.

Northridge's Baja Subs and Deli - Authentic Mexican Flavors in the Valley

The deli's owners, Premil and Koshalie Jayasinghe, have blended their Sri Lankan and Mexican culinary expertise to create a unique fusion menu that has captivated diners in the area.

Baja Subs and Deli sources its fresh ingredients locally, ensuring optimal flavor and quality in every dish they serve.

The restaurant's Friday and Saturday night buffets feature a rotating selection of traditional Mexican and Sri Lankan specialties, allowing patrons to sample a diverse array of international flavors.

Interestingly, the deli's signature carne asada is marinated in a secret blend of spices that includes a hint of cinnamon, adding a subtle warmth to the dish.

What else is in this post?

  1. 6 Hidden Gems for Authentic Eats and Drinks in Los Angeles - Northridge's Baja Subs and Deli - Authentic Mexican Flavors in the Valley
  2. 6 Hidden Gems for Authentic Eats and Drinks in Los Angeles - Yamashiro Hollywood - Historic Dining with Breathtaking Views
  3. 6 Hidden Gems for Authentic Eats and Drinks in Los Angeles - Zocha Group's Kombucha Taprooms - Exploring Fermented Flavors
  4. 6 Hidden Gems for Authentic Eats and Drinks in Los Angeles - Gastro Obscura's Cool Places - Offbeat Eats and Drinks
  5. 6 Hidden Gems for Authentic Eats and Drinks in Los Angeles - Canter's Deli and Bunnies, Bells, and Bnh M's Urban Light - Timeless Classics
  6. 6 Hidden Gems for Authentic Eats and Drinks in Los Angeles - EightyTwo - A Unique Arcade and Cocktail Experience

6 Hidden Gems for Authentic Eats and Drinks in Los Angeles - Yamashiro Hollywood - Historic Dining with Breathtaking Views


Yamashiro Hollywood's panoramic views of the sprawling city offer a serene respite from the urban bustle, allowing patrons to indulge in a dining experience that seamlessly blends culinary delights with breathtaking scenery.

The diverse menu, featuring a tantalizing array of Japanese-inspired dishes, caters to various dietary preferences, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to satisfying a wide range of tastes.

Yamashiro Hollywood's origins date back to 1914 when the restaurant was first established, making it a true historic landmark in the heart of Los Angeles.

Yamashiro Hollywood has a longstanding reputation for serving exceptional sushi, crafted by skilled chefs using the freshest ingredients and time-honored techniques.

Over the years, Yamashiro Hollywood has played host to numerous Hollywood celebrities and influential figures, cementing its status as a sought-after dining destination for the city's elite.

Recent renovations and menu enhancements at Yamashiro Hollywood have further elevated the restaurant's culinary offerings, introducing a new sushi counter and ongoing refinements to its Japanese-inspired dishes.

6 Hidden Gems for Authentic Eats and Drinks in Los Angeles - Zocha Group's Kombucha Taprooms - Exploring Fermented Flavors


Zocha Group, a prominent Los Angeles hospitality company, operates two unique kombucha taprooms in the city, catering to the growing demand for healthy, flavorful beverages.

Their Santa Monica location features a chic, desert-inspired setting, while the Downtown LA outpost serves up a variety of kombucha-based drinks, including beer and wine.

As the kombucha market continues to expand rapidly, Zocha Group's commitment to quality and their network of experienced hospitality professionals set them apart in this burgeoning industry.

These kombucha taprooms offer Angelenos a refreshing and innovative way to explore the world of fermented flavors, providing a hidden gem experience within the city's vibrant culinary landscape.

Zocha Group's kombucha taprooms use a unique fermentation process that involves blending different strains of kombucha bacteria and yeasts to create complex and nuanced flavor profiles.

The kombucha served at Zocha Group's taprooms is made with rare varietals of tea, such as pu-erh and oolong, which provide unique medicinal and antioxidant benefits.

Zocha Group has partnered with a team of microbiologists and fermentation experts to optimize the probiotic content of their kombucha, ensuring that each glass offers a potent boost of gut-friendly bacteria.

One of the taprooms features a custom-built, temperature-controlled fermentation room where the kombucha undergoes a prolonged aging process to develop deeper, more sophisticated flavors.

Zocha Group's head kombucha maker is a former chemist who applies scientific principles to the art of fermentation, constantly experimenting with new ingredient combinations and brewing techniques.

Zocha Group's kombucha is bottled in reusable, non-glass containers to reduce waste and promote a more eco-friendly drinking experience.

In addition to their traditional kombucha offerings, Zocha Group's taprooms also serve a selection of "hard" kombuchas, which are infused with organic spirits for a unique alcoholic twist on the fermented beverage.

6 Hidden Gems for Authentic Eats and Drinks in Los Angeles - Gastro Obscura's Cool Places - Offbeat Eats and Drinks


Gastro Obscura, a guide to unique food and drink experiences around the world, features a wide array of offbeat and authentic eateries and watering holes across the United States, including in cities like Los Angeles, Utah, Minnesota, and Chicago.

From the 24-Hour Sprinkles bakery in Beverly Hills to the Tonga Room in San Francisco, the guide uncovers unique culinary gems that offer adventurous diners a chance to explore the unexpected.

Whether it's a chef cooking in an active volcano or a Texan take on the French liqueur Chartreuse, Gastro Obscura aims to showcase the most wondrous and offbeat food and drink experiences globally.

Gastro Obscura's database contains over 1,000 entries of unique and offbeat places to eat and drink around the world, providing a treasure trove of culinary adventures for intrepid travelers.

In California alone, Gastro Obscura recommends 102 cool places to try, including the 24-Hour Sprinkles bakery in Beverly Hills, which features a Cupcake ATM for a truly unique dessert experience.

Gastro Obscura's guide to Los Angeles highlights 18 essential eateries and watering holes, such as the iconic Galco's Soda Pop Stop, known for its vast selection of hard-to-find soda flavors.

Gastro Obscura features a restaurant in Guatemala where the chef cooks dishes in the active Pacaya volcano, offering a one-of-a-kind, fiery culinary adventure.

In Minnesota, Gastro Obscura showcases The Herbivorous Butcher, a unique plant-based "meat" shop, and the annual "Princess Kay of the Milky Way" butter sculpture competition.

San Francisco's 12 must-try eateries highlighted by Gastro Obscura include the iconic Tonga Room, a Polynesian-themed bar and restaurant housed in a historic hotel.

Gastro Obscura's international coverage extends to Paris, where visitors can explore the grand, converted train station that now houses affordable, authentic dining options.

6 Hidden Gems for Authentic Eats and Drinks in Los Angeles - Canter's Deli and Bunnies, Bells, and Bnh M's Urban Light - Timeless Classics


6 Hidden Gems for Authentic Eats and Drinks in Los Angeles

Canter's Deli, a 24-hour Los Angeles institution since 1931, offers an authentic deli experience with a vast menu and 24/7 operation.

With its quirky atmosphere and beloved dishes like the Fairfax Sandwich, Canter's has become a timeless classic, attracting a diverse clientele including celebrities and locals alike.

The deli's bakery produces over 10,000 bagels per day, using a unique proofing process that results in a distinctive chewiness and flavor.

Canter's Deli has been featured in numerous films and TV shows, including "Swingers," "Curb Your Enthusiasm," and "The Big Lebowski," cementing its status as a Hollywood icon.

The deli's signature Fairfax Sandwich, featuring hot pastrami and corned beef on rye, has been a menu staple since the 1930s and has remained unchanged for over 80 years.

The deli's cocktail lounge, The Kibitz Room, is a beloved gathering spot for musicians, artists, and entertainers, who come to enjoy live music and classic cocktails until the early hours of the morning.

Canter's Deli sources its meats from a specialized purveyor in New York, ensuring the authenticity and quality of their deli offerings, which are cured and smoked in-house.

The deli's menu features over 300 items, catering to a diverse range of dietary preferences, from traditional Jewish-style fare to vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Canter's Deli has been praised by food critics and publications, including The New York Times, which once described it as a "temple of the pastrami sandwich."

The deli's iconic neon sign and retro-style decor have become a beloved landmark on the Fairfax Avenue strip, attracting tourists and locals alike for a taste of Los Angeles history.

6 Hidden Gems for Authentic Eats and Drinks in Los Angeles - EightyTwo - A Unique Arcade and Cocktail Experience


EightyTwo is a one-of-a-kind arcade and cocktail lounge located in the Arts District of Los Angeles.

This 21+ venue features over 55 vintage pinball and arcade machines, a full bar with craft cocktails, and a spacious outdoor patio, providing a nostalgic and lively entertainment experience.

With its rotating lineup of games, full-time DJ program, and custom arcade offerings, EightyTwo has earned praise from patrons for its unique blend of retro gaming and contemporary cocktail culture.

EightyTwo is home to over 55 vintage pinball and arcade machines, including rare and highly sought-after titles like Mortal Kombat, Space Invaders, and Donkey Kong.

The venue features a dedicated "pinball room" with its own unique atmosphere and game selection, catering to pinball enthusiasts.

EightyTwo's outdoor patio space covers 3,000 square feet, providing a lush, green oasis for patrons to enjoy their drinks and games.

The bar at EightyTwo offers 10 rotating draft beers and a seasonal selection of craft cocktails, many of which are inspired by classic video game themes.

The venue regularly hosts competitive events for arcade and pinball enthusiasts, including weekly tournaments and leaderboard challenges.

EightyTwo's interior design features a unique blend of industrial and retro-futuristic elements, creating a visually stunning environment that complements the vintage gaming experience.

The venue operates on a strict 21+ policy, ensuring a mature and sophisticated atmosphere for its adult-focused clientele.

EightyTwo has been praised for its well-maintained and meticulously curated selection of arcade and pinball machines, many of which are in pristine condition.

The venue's commitment to maintaining a diverse lineup of games, from classic favorites to modern indie titles, ensures that there is something for every type of gamer to enjoy.

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